Formerly, while applying for Student Direct Stream (SDS), the candidate must provide proof of valid language test results completed within 2 years of the date of application, showing either: an IELTS score of 6 or higher in each language skill; or a TEF score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark (CLB) score of at least 7 for each language ability, but now, in an effort to further streamline the immigration process and attract more international students, Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has recently announced that it will accept language test results from four additional tests for Student Direct Stream (SDS) applicants.
These new options will provide greater flexibility and convenience for prospective students seeking to study in Canada. The expansion of eligible tests is set to take effect on August 10, 2023, opening up new avenues for students to demonstrate their language proficiency.
Newly Eligible Language Tests
The four new language tests that will be accepted by IRCC for SDS applicants are
- CELPIP General
- CAEL
- PTE Academic
- TOEFL iBT Test.
These tests will assess the student’s abilities in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. The CELPIP General test requires a score equivalent to a Canadian Language Benchmark of at least 7 in each of the four language skills. For CAEL and Pearson PTE Academic, a minimum score of 60 is required, while the Educational Testing Service (ETS) TOEFL iBT Test necessitates a minimum score of 83.
It is important to note that these tests must be taken in person, as online and remotely proctored tests will not be accepted for SDS applicants.
Expediting the Study Permit Process
The Student Direct Stream (SDS) was introduced in 2018 as a means to expedite the processing of study permits for students from specific countries.
Eligible students must be legal residents of countries such as Antigua and Barbuda, Brazil, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, India, Morocco, Pakistan, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago, or Vietnam. The SDS boasts a service standard of 20 days for processing study permit applications, ensuring a swift and efficient experience for eligible students.
Eligibility Criteria for SDS Applicants
To qualify for the SDS, students from the aforementioned countries must fulfill certain requirements, which include:
- providing a copy of their acceptance letter from a Canadian Designated Learning Institution (DLI)
- presenting a confirmation document for their upfront medical exam
- demonstrate the possession of a Guaranteed Investment Certificate (GIC) of $10,000
- provide proof of payment for first-year tuition fees, submit language test results (IELTS score of 6 in English or NCLC 7 for French) completed within two years of the SDS application and
- submitting the application at a Visa Application Centre (VAC).
The expansion of acceptable language tests for Student Direct Stream applicants represents a significant step towards enhancing the study permit application process in Canada. By allowing more testing options, IRCC aims to attract a diverse pool of talented international students who can contribute to the country’s academic and cultural landscape.
As Canada continues to solidify its position as a premier destination for education, the government’s commitment to facilitating the immigration process for students from around the world is poised to yield long-term benefits for both the individuals and the country as a whole.
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